Best places to live in Maryland
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Maryland
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Maryland using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
1 / 25
realtor.com
#25. Olney
- Population: 35,191
- Median home value: $506,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,948 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $143,396
- Top public schools: Rosa M. Parks Middle School (A), Belmont Elementary School (A), Sherwood High School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (A+), Sandy Spring Friends School (A+), Washington Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 2608 Dapple Grey Ct, Olney ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $506,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,948 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $143,396
- Top public schools: Rosa M. Parks Middle School (A), Belmont Elementary School (A), Sherwood High School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (A+), Sandy Spring Friends School (A+), Washington Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 2608 Dapple Grey Ct, Olney ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
2 / 25
realtor.com
#24. Darnestown
- Population: 6,462
- Median home value: $744,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,688 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $216,250
- Top public schools: Poolesville High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Butler Montessori (A-), Mary of Nazareth School (A-), Seneca Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15325 Masonwood Dr, Gaithersburg ($5.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $744,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,688 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $216,250
- Top public schools: Poolesville High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Butler Montessori (A-), Mary of Nazareth School (A-), Seneca Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15325 Masonwood Dr, Gaithersburg ($5.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
3 / 25
realtor.com
#23. Derwood
- Population: 1,890
- Median home value: $563,700 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,160 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $72,351
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Candlewood Elementary School (A), Julius West Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 8222 Castanea Ln, Derwood ($800,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $563,700 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,160 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $72,351
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Candlewood Elementary School (A), Julius West Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 8222 Castanea Ln, Derwood ($800,000, 4 bedrooms)
4 / 25
realtor.com
#22. Towson
- Population: 57,817
- Median home value: $363,800 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,438 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $88,786
- Top public schools: Eastern Technical High School (A+), Dulaney High School (A+), George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology (A)
- Top private schools: Loyola Blakefield (A+), Calvert Hall College High School (A+), Immaculate Conception School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7816 Ruxwood Rd, Baltimore ($3.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $363,800 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,438 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $88,786
- Top public schools: Eastern Technical High School (A+), Dulaney High School (A+), George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology (A)
- Top private schools: Loyola Blakefield (A+), Calvert Hall College High School (A+), Immaculate Conception School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7816 Ruxwood Rd, Baltimore ($3.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
5 / 25
realtor.com
#21. Clarksburg
- Population: 24,767
- Median home value: $482,500 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,089 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $147,070
- Top public schools: Little Bennett Elementary School (A), Cedar Grove Elementary School (A), Wilson Wims Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Clarksburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: 24016 Burnt Hill Rd, Clarksburg ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $482,500 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,089 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $147,070
- Top public schools: Little Bennett Elementary School (A), Cedar Grove Elementary School (A), Wilson Wims Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Clarksburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: 24016 Burnt Hill Rd, Clarksburg ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
6 / 25
realtor.com
#20. Kensington
- Population: 2,098
- Median home value: $712,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,592 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $125,357
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Brookewood School (A-)
- Pictured: 4201 Saul Rd, Kensington ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $712,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,592 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $125,357
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Brookewood School (A-)
- Pictured: 4201 Saul Rd, Kensington ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
7 / 25
realtor.com
#19. Lutherville
- Population: 6,856
- Median home value: $360,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $113,452
- Top public schools: Eastern Technical High School (A+), Dulaney High School (A+), George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology (A)
- Top private schools: Celebree School of Lutherville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 218 Hampton Park Cir, Lutherville Timonium ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $360,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $113,452
- Top public schools: Eastern Technical High School (A+), Dulaney High School (A+), George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology (A)
- Top private schools: Celebree School of Lutherville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 218 Hampton Park Cir, Lutherville Timonium ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
8 / 25
realtor.com
#18. Brookmont
- Population: 3,921
- Median home value: $1,045,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $2,306 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $239,943
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Bannockburn Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Washington Waldorf School (A+)
- Pictured: 5405 Wehawken Rd, Bethesda ($2.7 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,045,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $2,306 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $239,943
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Bannockburn Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Washington Waldorf School (A+)
- Pictured: 5405 Wehawken Rd, Bethesda ($2.7 million, 7 bedrooms)
9 / 25
realtor.com
#17. Four Corners
- Population: 8,246
- Median home value: $470,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,229 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $136,985
- Top public schools: Montgomery Blair High School (A+), Pine Crest Elementary School (A), Sligo Creek Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Bernadette School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 814 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $470,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,229 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $136,985
- Top public schools: Montgomery Blair High School (A+), Pine Crest Elementary School (A), Sligo Creek Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Bernadette School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 814 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
10 / 25
realtor.com
#16. Fulton
- Population: 4,326
- Median home value: $642,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $175,446
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: Pindell School Rd, Fulton ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $175,446
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: Pindell School Rd, Fulton ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
11 / 25
realtor.com
#15. Takoma Park
- Population: 17,672
- Median home value: $583,800 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,143 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $84,591
- Top public schools: Montgomery Blair High School (A+), Takoma Park Middle School (A), Piney Branch Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (C+)
- Pictured: 7105 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $583,800 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,143 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $84,591
- Top public schools: Montgomery Blair High School (A+), Takoma Park Middle School (A), Piney Branch Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (C+)
- Pictured: 7105 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
12 / 25
realtor.com
#14. Urbana
- Population: 12,587
- Median home value: $524,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,254 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $155,000
- Top public schools: Urbana High School (A+), Centerville Elementary School (A), Urbana Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Urbana (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12037 Treeline Way, Rockville ($769,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $524,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,254 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $155,000
- Top public schools: Urbana High School (A+), Centerville Elementary School (A), Urbana Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Urbana (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12037 Treeline Way, Rockville ($769,900, 3 bedrooms)
13 / 25
realtor.com
#13. Ilchester
- Population: 26,974
- Median home value: $390,600 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,799 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $126,566
- Top public schools: Howard High School (A), Ilchester Elementary School (A), Ellicott Mills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity School (A), Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (unavailable), Marshalee Drive KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5036 Ellis Ln, Ellicott City ($899,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $390,600 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,799 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $126,566
- Top public schools: Howard High School (A), Ilchester Elementary School (A), Ellicott Mills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity School (A), Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (unavailable), Marshalee Drive KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5036 Ellis Ln, Ellicott City ($899,000, 5 bedrooms)
14 / 25
realtor.com
#12. Forest Glen
- Population: 6,469
- Median home value: $461,500 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,550 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $105,585
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), North Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John the Evangelist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2805 Beechbank Rd, Silver Spring ($929,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $461,500 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,550 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $105,585
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), North Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John the Evangelist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2805 Beechbank Rd, Silver Spring ($929,000, 5 bedrooms)
15 / 25
realtor.com
#11. Scaggsville
- Population: 9,751
- Median home value: $511,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,431 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $151,558
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 10715 Jordans Dr, Laurel ($820,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $511,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,431 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $151,558
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 10715 Jordans Dr, Laurel ($820,000, 6 bedrooms)
16 / 25
realtor.com
#10. Travilah
- Population: 11,301
- Median home value: $1,081,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,174 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $241,369
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Northwest High School (A+)
- Pictured: 11510 Highland Farm Rd, Potomac ($12.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,081,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,174 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $241,369
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Northwest High School (A+)
- Pictured: 11510 Highland Farm Rd, Potomac ($12.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
17 / 25
realtor.com
#9. Columbia
- Population: 103,991
- Median home value: $378,300 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,722 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $108,352
- Top public schools: River Hill High School (A+), Centennial High School (A+), Atholton High School (A+)
- Top private schools: International Connections Academy (A-), Atholton Adventist Academy (unavailable), Columbia Academy Elementary & Middle School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5710 Trotter Rd, Clarksville ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $378,300 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,722 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $108,352
- Top public schools: River Hill High School (A+), Centennial High School (A+), Atholton High School (A+)
- Top private schools: International Connections Academy (A-), Atholton Adventist Academy (unavailable), Columbia Academy Elementary & Middle School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5710 Trotter Rd, Clarksville ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
18 / 25
realtor.com
#8. Rockville
- Population: 67,542
- Median home value: $540,000 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,921 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $106,576
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ Episcopal School (A), St. Elizabeth Catholic School (unavailable), St. Raphael School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6101 Poindexter Ln, Rockville ($2.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $540,000 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,921 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $106,576
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ Episcopal School (A), St. Elizabeth Catholic School (unavailable), St. Raphael School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6101 Poindexter Ln, Rockville ($2.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
19 / 25
realtor.com
#7. Chevy Chase
- Population: 9,622
- Median home value: $944,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,957 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $181,929
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1 W Melrose St, Chevy Chase ($4.8 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $944,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,957 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $181,929
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1 W Melrose St, Chevy Chase ($4.8 million, 7 bedrooms)
20 / 25
realtor.com
#6. Bethesda
- Population: 63,195
- Median home value: $911,000 (66% own)
- Median rent: $2,026 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $164,142
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holton-Arms School (A+), Landon School (A+), Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+)
- Pictured: 8309 Persimmon Tree Rd, Bethesda ($7.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $911,000 (66% own)
- Median rent: $2,026 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $164,142
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holton-Arms School (A+), Landon School (A+), Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+)
- Pictured: 8309 Persimmon Tree Rd, Bethesda ($7.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
21 / 25
realtor.com
#5. Potomac
- Population: 45,940
- Median home value: $893,800 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,990 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $195,884
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bullis School (A+), St. Andrew's Episcopal School (A+), The Heights School (A+)
- Pictured: 9305 Inglewood Ct, Potomac ($14.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $893,800 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,990 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $195,884
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bullis School (A+), St. Andrew's Episcopal School (A+), The Heights School (A+)
- Pictured: 9305 Inglewood Ct, Potomac ($14.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
22 / 25
realtor.com
#4. Ellicott City
- Population: 72,665
- Median home value: $537,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,615 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $131,534
- Top public schools: Marriotts Ridge High School (A+), Centennial High School (A+), Mount Hebron High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chapelgate Christian Academy (A), St. John's Parish Day School (A+), Resurrection - St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11215 Kinsale Ct, Ellicott City ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $537,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,615 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $131,534
- Top public schools: Marriotts Ridge High School (A+), Centennial High School (A+), Mount Hebron High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chapelgate Christian Academy (A), St. John's Parish Day School (A+), Resurrection - St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11215 Kinsale Ct, Ellicott City ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
23 / 25
realtor.com
#3. South Kensington
- Population: 8,763
- Median home value: $754,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,180 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $180,000
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Redeemer Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10002 Wildwood Rd, Kensington ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $754,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,180 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $180,000
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Redeemer Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10002 Wildwood Rd, Kensington ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
24 / 25
realtor.com
#2. North Bethesda
- Population: 49,872
- Median home value: $567,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,910 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $107,220
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Georgetown Preparatory School (A+), Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (A+), The Academy of the Holy Cross (A+)
- Pictured: 6 Sedgwick Ln, North Bethesda ($2.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $567,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,910 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $107,220
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Georgetown Preparatory School (A+), Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (A+), The Academy of the Holy Cross (A+)
- Pictured: 6 Sedgwick Ln, North Bethesda ($2.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
25 / 25
realtor.com
#1. North Potomac
- Population: 23,914
- Median home value: $672,900 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,129 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $171,066
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Franklin Montessori Schools (unavailable), Children's Manor Montessori School - Rockville (unavailable), Primary Montessori Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13531 Stonebarn Ln, North Potomac ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $672,900 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,129 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $171,066
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Franklin Montessori Schools (unavailable), Children's Manor Montessori School - Rockville (unavailable), Primary Montessori Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13531 Stonebarn Ln, North Potomac ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
